Mondulkiri Itinerary : What To Do And Why You Should Visit

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Mondulkiri really should be on every Cambodian itinerary. And If you think this region is the domain of backpackers and adventurists then think again.

Mondulkiri, in the north east of Cambodia, has so much to offer and our days with the elephants are some of our favourite memories. It’s relatively easy to reach from both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap; albeit a bit of a long drive. Local tours can be arranged to suit all ages and abilities.

If you thought Mondulkiri wasn’t for you then do think again; and read on and we’ll tell you why.

Why You Should Add Mondulkiri to Your Cambodia Itinerary

We decided to visit Cambodia because I’d read a blog about the elephants that live in the jungles around the town of Sen Monorom in Mondulkiri Province. I read about a genuine ethical sanctuary that you could visit. I love elephants and here, in the rain forests of northern Cambodia, you could spend a day trekking with them. Seriously; trekking and elephants is a match made in heaven for me and I knew I had to visit.

The region is home to vast jungles, beautiful rainforests, rivers, waterfalls, incredible wildlife and indigenous tribes. And elephants.

We only had three weeks in Cambodia; we’ve learned since that you really should add spare days to your plans. The elephants were on our Mondulkiri itinerary but we realised too late that we could have spent so much longer here exploring this quiet, beautiful, wild corner of Cambodia.

There are many things to do during your time in Mondulkiri :

What to do In Mondulkiri?

If you are looking to explore the stunning natural beauty of Cambodia then this is the place for you. This region is wild and vast but the forests and the people are living under the threat of logging and the rainforest is shrinking.

Maybe if more people visit, locals will see value in protecting this glorious landscape and the loggers will stop their destruction. This has to be another great reason to visit along with the following ideas :

1. Volunteer for the Day at The Ethical Elephant Valley Project

There are a few Elephant Sanctuaries in Mondulkiri. I would urge you to do some research and be sure that your choice is really ethical. If you’re unsure then you can read about ethical tourism on the EVP website.

If you want to try something different then volunteer for the day at Elephant Valley Project. They are working to help save the endangered Asian elephant population and have been here for over 14 years. You get a hands-on experience helping the elephants, cleaning their enclosures but the elephant always comes first and there is never riding or forced activities.

You can spend a day or a few weeks; either way it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience. We spent a day here and could have spent longer. Remember you need to book ahead to arrange your visit; do this on the EVP website.

2. Visit the Elephant Community Project 

I did say I loved elephants! I couldn’t decide between these two wonderful projects so we spent a day with each. Both days were different and we’re so glad we got to support them both.

Visiting the Elephant Community Project is an amazing experience; we won’t ever forget our day here. Not only do you get to learn about the elephants and the conservation efforts, you also have the opportunity to observe elephants up-close in their natural habitat.

The forests are owned by the Bunong tribe and we learned so much about the difficulties faced by the local people and how they are struggling to retain their traditional way of life in a rapidly changing world (and shrinking forest).

We followed the elephants through the jungle, we observed them in their natural habitats and for a long time, simply sat back and watched.

It was a simple day but that was part of the charm. Be prepared for plenty of walking although there are other visits with less. This landscape is beautiful, we walked through rainforest and jungle, crossed rivers and trekked hills and valleys. Today was a gift and a privilege.

Top Tip : If you only have one day spare to see elephants in Mondulkiri then we really loved our day with the Elephant Community Project.

3. Hike with the Bunong Community

Spend the day with this ethnic minority community and you’ll have the chance to observe their traditional way of life and learn so much about their language and customs. The people are so welcoming, and we loved listening to the stories about their lives, celebrations and beliefs.

We were able to visit and talk with a local family in their traditional home. It’s quite a humbling experience and their spirit is infectious. Their knowledge of the forest is immense and their traditions are as ancient as the hills.

The hike can last an hour or a few days but no matter how long you choose you will no doubt enjoy plenty of breath-taking views along the way.

Top Tip : We booked this tour locally when we arrived. We stayed at Manel’s Guesthouse and he made the arrangements.

4. Keo Seima Protected Rainforest and Wildlife Sanctuary

Keo Seima Protected Rainforest is a natural paradise and sanctuary that covers 300,000 hectares of protected rainforest. It’s home to a variety of rare and endangered species such as the Asian Elephant and the Giant Ibis.

The sanctuary was established in 2002 as part of the government’s effort to protect vulnerable species from illegal hunting and deforestation. We didn’t have time to visit Seima but other travellers at our guesthouse were thrilled with their day.

5. Spend a Day With The Gibbons at Jahoo

We didn’t get to see the Gibbons at Jahoo. We never had time (again) to make the journey into the protected rainforest. It is one of our big regrets! The forest is alive with birds and lizards and rivers and waterfalls and of course the famous gibbons.

Read the reviews online and you’ll see that everyone raves about their stay. You can visit for the day or you can spend a night in the modified bamboo huts. Don’t be like us! Allow time for a visit to Jahoo.

6. Cool Down at the Bou Sra Waterfall 

Bou Sra Waterfall is a lovely waterfall surrounded by lush jungle and great views, and the cool water is pretty wonderful on a hot day.

A 45-minute drive from Sen Monorom, the best time to visit the Bousra Waterfall is during the dry season (usually between November and April) although it’s popular with locals and tourists year-round.

It can get busy and swimming isn’t always possible but folks do manage to go under the falls regardless. Sadly there was a lot of litter at the site, but that aside it’s a fabulous day trip and reachable in a tuk-tuk.

7. Visit and Taste The Local Mondulkiri Coffee

As coffee lovers, we heard a great deal about Mondulkiri coffee, and if you’ve read our post about Vietnamese coffee you’ll know we love it! Sadly Pida wasn’t when we visited but that’s not the case these days.

Mondulkiri coffee is grown in the upland rainforest region and has a rich, earthy flavour with nutty sweetness and a really lovely chocolaty taste. And you can sample this glorious drink during a farm tour at Pida Coffee.

How Long Should you Stay in Mondulkiri Province?

Mondulkiri is an amazing destination and felt like nowhere else we’d visited. We didn’t research enough and our Mondulkiri itinerary was too short.

We met a guy in our guest house who opted to stay an extra day, simply to reflect on all that he had seen. He was right. We learned so much and saw so much in Mondulkiri that it almost demands you sit back, relax and reflect.

Best Time to Visit Sen Monorom

The best time to visit Sen Monorom is between November and April. It’s not too hot or too humid and the rains haven’t arrived. We were there early February; it was still hot and humid but locals told us it was pleasant.

It is possible to visit at other times of the year but travelling in the rainy season may be more difficult in remote areas and subject to possible cancellations if roads are impassable.

Where to Stay in Sen Monorom

If you’re visiting Mondulkiri, you’ll probably stay in the town of Sen Monorom. There are a range of accommodation but it’s worth noting that this area is developing in terms of tourism. However, the generosity of the local people will more than make up for this.

I spent ages looking. Initially I opted to stay in the Pidoma, as it has rave reviews. But we travel with an eye on our budget and Manel’s Guest House also had great reviews.

Manels was a great choice! Honestly, whilst this accommodation is simple, it is comfortable and welcoming and if we ever return to Mondulkiri this is where we’d stay.

There are a couple of excellent hotels. I spent hours reading reviews for both and both are great.

How to travel Around Sen Monorom and Mondulkiri?

We took the bus from Phnom Penh and opted to walk to our guest house. Most hotels can arrange pick-ups and will also arrange your tours.

There are a few options for getting around Mondulkiri. Tuk Tuk’s are available although we found GRAB didn’t work here. But tuk-tuks are a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to get around and your guest house can recommend one.

For some of the more remote areas we visited, we were collected from our hotel and taken to a meeting point in a tuk-tuk and from there we transferred into 4x4s.

It is possible to hire scooters but honestly, in the more remote areas around Sen Monorom, the roads are in poor condition and we would never recommend this mode of transport.

Safety in Mondulkiri

Mondulkiri Province has so much to offer the intrepid traveller and is be a great place for an unforgettable adventure. At no point in our journey did we feel unsafe but there are a few precautions you should take.

Malaria

Malaria is prevalent in many parts of Southeast Asia. You should take necessary precautions against mosquito bites using a reputable insect repellent. For the forest treks wear long sleeve shirts and trousers. Antimalarial medication should only be taken on the advice of your doctor before leaving home.

Finally, if there is a mosquito net on your bed then make sure you use it!

Rabies

Rabies affects mammals, and like many areas in Asia, it can be found in wild animals. As tempting as it is to stroke a pretty cat or a dog it’s best to avoid contact.

Water

Do not drink the water throughout Cambodia. We try to avoid plastics so carry a reusable hiking bottle to stay hydrated. Make sure you regularly wash your hands especially when spending time in the jungle; I carry a travel pack of wet wipes and hand gel in my bag too.

Travelling To and From Mondulkiri

We used Virak Buntham express minivan to take us from Phnom Penh and onwards to Siem Reap. We had read reports of these minibuses being either great to awful and it was with some trepidation that we took our seats.

But the journey was fine (although not as great as the buses in Vietnam!) It’s a great way to see the countryside, very inexpensive and ideal for anyone who wants an adventure.

However if you’re a small group or the minibus isn’t for you, arrange a private transfer to Mondulkiri. They are readily available from both Phnom Penh or Siem Reap and it’s also a faster option.

To or From Phnom Penh

If you’re travelling from Phnom Penh, you can travel like us in the express minivan. Most depart daily at around 7am and arrive in Sen Monorom late afternoon. The journey takes around 7 hours depending on the stops and the traffic.

To or From Siem Reap

We travelled onwards with Virak to Siem Reap; the bus departs at around 7am and arrives around 10 hours later. We enjoyed the journey but we made a mistake with our seat choice behind the driver. Apart from this it was great.

If we were to do it again we might opt to break the journey. There was a mid-point town on the Mekong which looked interesting for an overnight stop. I also regret not visiting Kratie.

TOP TIP : don’t sit in the front passenger seats behind the driver as hot engine air pumps out around your feet and there is limited foot room.

Private Taxi Transfer

When our son visited Cambodia there were five in his group which made private transfers and great choice.

And Finally : Not If But How Many Days on Your Mondulkiri Itinerary?

Mondulkiri is an amazing and unique destination. After the crazy city landscapes of Phnom Penh and the glory of the Angkor Temples in Siem Reap, Mondulkiri was a contrast and a joy. This unspoilt region offers real opportunities to get off-the-beaten-path and explore a more authentic side of Cambodia.

But this region is not just for the young and fit. This area is great for all travellers. With private transfers available and a few very nice hotels, don’t let the wild nature of the environment put you off.

Whether it’s hiking, wildlife or simply soaking up the peace and quiet, there’s so much to do in Mondulkiri. We wished we’d stayed longer. Make sure you don’t miss out and add Mondulkiri to your itinerary.

Travelling Through Cambodia or Vietnam?

If you enjoyed this post, I’ve written a series of posts about our time in Cambodia and Vietnam that you may find helpful :